Robbies by Mrs Pickles director Josie Robinson has been awarded two gold medals at the Outstanding Food Producer Awards (OFPA).
The highest-scoring gold medal winners are considered for the category champion awards to be announced at the Champions Party in Auckland on May 19.
Mrs Robinson, who makes a range of pickled onion products, was recognised for her Foveaux Pickled Onion.
"When our 10th birthday rolled around, I felt a deep need to thank the ones I work with — the producers that work just as hard as I do and create top-level produce or product. The Foveaux is for them."
It uses honey from fellow medal winner Miele Apiaries of Invercargill as well as Southland’s Kiwi Saffron, Auld Distillery Summit’s Reach and, for a final touch, Sichuan peppercorns, "whose flavour I fell in love with smelling it for the first time".
Judges described it as a "clever" addition to the pickled onion market.
"Eating these pickled onions well chilled is a game changer, a totally different eating experience, compared to room temperature," they said.
Mrs Robinson also won gold for her new Cherry Bourbon Rib Sauce, a product that took nine months to develop and only came together when she had the idea to add balsamic vinegar.
"It’s been an instant success, which I didn’t expect. It sells out quickly, with a batch of 40 selling out within five days.
"This work was the most challenging of anything I’ve previously produced. I am super excited that it worked out and the people have received them with open arms."
Internationally renowned chef and OFPA head judge Peter Gordon said the results were a "hugely positive reflection" of the "outstanding" state of New Zealand food production. — Allied Media
